In true entrepreneurial style, Ruth Barrow found a need that
was missing and filled it. Barrow had an immense passion in graphic design.
(She had completed a degree in visual communications in her hometown of
England). However after she moved to the small, snow-capped town of Whistler,
BC, she found a common problem many of us have encountered – there were limited
career opportunities.

After networking and volunteering in her local community,
she found there was a large need for graphic and web design in the Whistler
community. However rather than filling this need by applying for a job that
wasn’t there, she would have to make a job for herself.

So she founded Whistler
Creative – a full service communications agency that provides branding,
graphic design, and website design and development for businesses.

Whistler Creative’s
Journey To Success

In 2010, prior to launching her business, Barrow attended a local networking
event and happened to hear about the benefits of mentorship. Like most
entrepreneurs, she wasn’t aware about professional mentorship
programs for small business owners or the benefits of having a mentor.

However as soon as she heard what Cathy
Goddard from Lighthouse Mentor Network had to offer, Barrow was on board.
She says: “I’d just started my business and being new to the business world and
Canada even, I thought a mentor group would be a great way to learn new things
and develop my business.”

And barrow is glad she did. She says: “Lighthouse’s mentor program has
been running for five seasons now, and I have joined every year.”

The Tremendous Benefits
of Mentorship

So what kept her coming back every year? “In the first
couple of years the mentorship program really helped me to launch my business
and get my name out in the community, which increased my number of clients and
income.”

As Barrow’s business evolved so did her mentorship. In the
next two years mentorship helped her input systems such as outsourcing and
implementing computer programs that made her business more efficient.

Many entrepreneurs wonder how working with others can
benefit them. Barrow definitely thinks having a community of entrepreneurs
to back you up makes a difference: “Mentorship has provided a level of support,
knowledge and accountability that you don’t get working alone. I would
definitely recommend it to other business owners that work from home or by
themselves.”

So what’s next for Barrow? She says: “I am looking forward
to continuing to work with a mentor to develop and grow my business further.”

How does mentorship with
Lighthouse Mentor Network work?

Lighthouse Mentor Network offers peer group mentorship in
Whistler, BC. Six to eight women from non-competing businesses regularly get
together for support, networking and connections, advice,
accountability, and resources. For more information visit the Lighthouse Mentor
Network program
details.